Conditioners for cats is a misunderstood topic. Professional cat grooming is in its infancy and there are a lot of myths floating around. In fact even veterinarians often erroneously recommend conditioner when they see flakes on a cat.Previously we talked about dandruff and static and how they, for the most part, do not benefit from conditioner. Dandruff on cats is 99% of the time dead skin, NOT dry skin. Large flakes in the hair is just sloughed off skin, meaning the cat needs a bath. Dry skin is on the actual surface of the skin and tiny flakes, and would be evident on the belly.Cats are naturally greasy and most do not get bathed often enough to warrant using conditioner. The only time conditioner is required is if you are bathing your cat twice a week or more frequently. In other words, only show cats that are actively campaigning may require conditioner.Static problems often remedied with conditioner resulting in an ever increasing greasy lump of cat. While conditioner adds moisture to the hair, you can just as easily reduce static by adding moisture to the air and defusing the charged ions. You had do this by humidifying the air, and/or spraying a fine mist of water over your static kitty and combing with a metal comb. You do not need conditioner.Many conditioners have a scent associated with them. If it is a spritz to freshen and improve the smell of your cat that you're after, look for cat specific freshening scents/products without conditioner. Most pet products have rubbing alcohol in their ingredients, among other dubious things on the list and it is not something you want you cat to lick. If your cat smells, it is in need of a bath.It is unlikely the average household cat will ever need conditioner in its lifetime and more likely needs a regular bath schedule to remove dead skin flakes, loose hair, and revitalize the skin and hair.

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